Gunner Frank Owen, 108th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, died of wounds on 2nd October 1918. Born in Berkswell in 1882, he was the youngest of the seven children (three sons, four daughters) of parents James (a bricklayer) and Ann (née Pullen) who had married in 1862 in Annie’s home parish of Stretton on Dunsmore. James died in 1915, aged 76, so was spared the knowledge of his youngest son’s death.
Frank became a bricklayer and, in September 1914, married Hannah Hingley at Meriden Register Office. The couple set up home in Coventry, and do not appear to have had any children.
He enlisted under Lord Derby’s Scheme in December 1915 and was mobilised in February 1918, arriving in France in May 1918. He died of wounds.
He is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France and is commemorated on Berkswell war memorial, although his rank is recorded there as Corporal.
If you have any further information, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
tel.: 0121 704 6977
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
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